Congratulations, Songbird (public service announcement)

by NASCARbernet on Dec 13, 2011 10:55 AM EST

This is a public-service announcement.

The Snakepit's very own Songbird is participating in the Phoenix Symphony's five performances of Handel's Messiah this holiday season.

This city is very fortunate to have one of the finest symphony orchestras in the World. Its recordings of Aaron Copland and Bernard Hermann are some of the finest recordings ever made of these composers.

If you've never had the opportunity to attend an orchestral concert, this would be a wonderful opportunity.

http://tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5331

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Mmmmm loves me some Bernard Hermann

He’s fantastic.

Support your local symphony people!

Where have you gone, Greg Colbrunn?

by SenSurround on Dec 13, 2011 11:44 AM EST reply actions

I recently

Watched the Symphony play at Grand Canyon University and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Wear your own fur.

by Marc Fournier on Dec 13, 2011 12:46 PM EST reply actions

What instrument does Songbird play?

by Craig from Az on Dec 13, 2011 3:03 PM EST reply actions

Vocalist, I believe.

I think Handel’s Messiah is classified as an Oratorio, rather than Sacred. When King George II first heard it, he was reduced to tears.

Is it mid-February yet?

by NASCARbernet on Dec 13, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

Most oratorios are sacred

They were different in this way (among others) from operas. Oratorios are often performed in a church setting.

by SongBird on Dec 19, 2011 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

Yes

but not all. At the risk of being slapped silly, I was just wondering if “Messiah” is considered a sacred work, and therefore largely restricted to a religious context, or could be performed as a work independent of it’s religious context? For example, certainly Rachmaninoff’s Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is largely a religious, sacred work, but is performed in secular concert settings.

Is it mid-February yet?

by NASCARbernet on Dec 19, 2011 6:58 PM EST up reply actions

i feel like

though i could be wrong about this

that the Messiah is sometimes performed in secular concert setting

by blue bulldog on Dec 19, 2011 10:21 PM EST up reply actions

I believe I've seen sections of it

performed as part of a larger concert cycle during summer a number of years ago.

Is it mid-February yet?

by NASCARbernet on Dec 20, 2011 9:48 AM EST up reply actions

Well

It has passed into the poplar culture. So, in the sense that Christmas itself isn’t necessarily considered sacred anymore, neither is the Messiah. But, the work is in 3 parts and it details the life of Jesus. It goes through the Incarnation, the Passion and the final part is about the Resurrection. Often times Symphonies will perform parts 1 and 2 at Christmas and part 3 at Easter. But the Phoenix Symphony does the whole work. Well, most of it. I believe they do cut a few numbers.

It is performed occasionally in secular settings. But, it is a sacred text.

by SongBird on Dec 19, 2011 11:01 PM EST up reply actions

Yes, I am a singer

I sing with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus. This is a very fun, all volunteer choir. The Chorus is always recruiting new members, especially tenors and basses. If anyone knows anyone with vocal training who is interested, let me know. Auditions are held a few times a year.

by SongBird on Dec 19, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

Congrats, Songbird!

Best of luck to you! I wish I could go see one of the performances, but, alas, that’s just not in the cards

Have you been good this year? I hope so, because Gibby. Is. Watching.

by imstillhungry95 on Dec 13, 2011 3:10 PM EST reply actions

Very nice!

"Clearly the Brewers didn't realize that going into Beast Mode raised their testosterone levels."
by tcyoung

by txzona on Dec 13, 2011 5:39 PM EST reply actions

This is awesome.

Congrats!

Ian, Daniel, Josh, and two Trevors: It's not a Christian rock group.

by Zavada's Moustache on Dec 13, 2011 6:35 PM EST reply actions

Congrats!!!

Not very often a member of this site becomes a worldwide phenom!

and…………a rec for the recognition

by AzDbackfanInDc on Dec 13, 2011 6:55 PM EST reply actions

darn you guys and your talents

by CaptainCanuck on Dec 13, 2011 9:11 PM EST reply actions

Songbird!

Congratulations! What an honor! I wish I could go and see you but I won’t have the time to unfortunately :(

I got sprayed by Ryan Roberts!!!

by Rockkstarr12 on Dec 13, 2011 11:19 PM EST reply actions

Hee hee

This is all very amusing since I don’t perform in the “Messiah” concerts. I am definitely in the Symphony Chorus, but due my work obligations in December I cannot perform in any of the “Messiah” concerts. I will be performing the Verdi “Requiem” with the Arizona MusicFest in late February. As well as with the Symphony performing Puccini "Messa Di Gloria in early March. Then there are some Brahms pieces in April. And a set of songs by Rachmaninoff on May 5th.

I do get 50% tickets for the Symphony. Usually 4 per concert. I rarely use this offer, and none of my friends are interested. So, if anyone ever wants to use this, let me know.

by SongBird on Dec 19, 2011 4:02 PM EST reply actions